Suspension Upgrade Clarification/Questions

[TexasNissanDude]

Hello,

I am the proud owner of a 3/74 260Z - it is presently in stock/original condition with approx 90K on the chassis. I finally got the car running and driving after a few issues (headlight switch replacement and upgarded to a 280ZX distributor with MSD 6AL). Now I can move on into the upgrades.

 

My goal with the car is to have a fun driver. I currently have a 400HP Turbo SE-R with Koni Red's, Sectioned/Shortened Struts, GC's, C/C plates for when I want to play around at the track. Other furute upgrades do include the Toyota 4X4 front brake upgrade as well and the rear Maxima conversion as well. I will install either 15" Konig Rewinds or 16" Panasports.

 

I have been searching the forum and found some good info in regards to suspension upgrades and was thinking this is what I might do................ just looking for some advice from the experts.

 

1. ES master bushing kit

2. Tokico Illumina's

3. Tokico Springs or GC Coilovers

4. Relocate lower control arms

 

Would anyone happen to have a picture of a car with the Tokico/Tokico strut and shock combo installed so I could see the ride height? I was planning to also install the ZG Flares and I am not sure if the car will be low enough for my taste if I don't go coil-overs and section the struts. If I wind up going coil-over and section strut's, I believe from all my reading and searching that I am supposed to order MR2 struts?

I have sectioned struts about 10 years ago by installing 240Z inserts, so I am pretty familiar with that end of it, but I did just use them with ST springs. Any and all insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

Sincerely,

[jaime240z]

Congrats on the new Z! You've definitely come to the right place for info on upgrading your new car. 90K on the car is GREAT!

 

For starters, I would purchase the first item on your list, the master set of poly bushings, first. That way you can install the pieces "as you go" or you can do the whole set in one shot. Either way your car will benefit alot from it and you will curse your car and the bushings before you're done:)

 

If your budget aloows it, go with the Tokico Illuminas. You will appreciate the adjustability, especially when you're out on the track.

 

As far as the springs, I would say go with the coil-overs. Ground control and modern motorsports make great kits for the Z car. Once again these will give you the convinience of adjustability for going from street to track use and vice versa. Also, since you plan on using ZG flairs, the use of coil overs will also allow you to use a slightly wider wheel/tire combo by allowing the removal of the stock spring perch. Plus, IMO, it's easier to "tune" the suspension with different spring rates with the coil overs too.

 

 

Not to mention they look flippin sweet!!! I final got mine assembled this weekend.

 

 

Depending on how low you wind up going on your suspension, you will probably want to section the struts as you have stated. Try to decide on this before buying any parts, that way you can avoid yourself the hassle of needing to buy 2 sets of struts, which is what I did aarrrgggg. As for the inserts used, do a search, there was a very informative post on sectioning struts recently and I believe there were even step by step instructions on how to do it.

 

Relocating the LCAs will be needed as well, but don't mess with this procedure until all the above has been completed. When doing this I would recommend first having the car's suspension geometry checked first, instead of guesstimating where to drill/relocate.

 

Here are some great threads on these topics:

http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=98315

http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=85960

[TexasNissanDude]

For starters, I would purchase the first item on your list, the master set of poly bushings, first. That way you can install the pieces "as you go" or you can do the whole set in one shot.

 

Well, I am hoping to do all of the suspension upgrades at one time.... I prefer to tear it apart only once! The only reason I maight have to tear it back apart would be in case I decide to add sway bars.

 

Thanks for the links, I am suprised they didn't come up during my searches.....

 

Sincerely,